Eligibility quiz
Is one of your parents a Czech citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Czechia
You can live, rent a home, open a bank account and use ordinary services in Czechia for the period on your card.
A close family member’s card lasts for the expected stay of their family member, up to five years; certain other family members’ cards last up to three years.
It can be extended repeatedly while you live in Czechia and still qualify as a family member.
Study in Czechia
You can live and study in Czechia on the same general basis as other people living there lawfully.
Work in Czechia
Holders can work for any employer without a separate work permit or employee card, and can run a business.
Travel without visas
With a valid card and travel document, you can leave and return to Czechia repeatedly while your card is valid.
You can also visit the Schengen Area without a visa, but the card does not let you settle indefinitely in another country.
Permanent residence after five years
You can generally gain permanent residence after five years of continuous temporary residence.
The wait is two years for a close family member of a Czech or EU citizen with permanent residence, if the relationship has lasted at least one year.
Permanent residence documents last ten years and can be extended repeatedly for ten years at a time.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Ministry of the Interior office for your address in Czechia. You must apply for this permit in person in Czechia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Czechia Ministry of the Interior office handles temporary residence permits for family members of EU citizens in your city?”
Download the application form
Get the Application for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in the applicable sections in Czech, using block capitals or a typewriter, and sign the form. Include your parent's details and your family relationship; for a child under 15, a legal guardian represents the child.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Czechia application for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Ministry of the Interior office.
See required documentsArrange an appointment
Arrange an appointment with the Ministry of the Interior if your office requires or offers booking.
Arrange an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Czechia Ministry of the Interior appointment for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Hand in your application
Bring your signed form and required documents to your Ministry of the Interior office in person; a child under 15 applies in person through a legal guardian. Pay the CZK 200 fee when you apply, preferably by revenue stamp.
Find submission instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Czechia application for a temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen in person?”
Wait for the decision
Follow the Ministry's instructions and respond to any requests to correct your application or provide more information by the deadline given. You can also check your application status and the Ministry's instructions for approved applications.
Check your application statusSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the status of my Czechia temporary residence permit application for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Provide your biometric data
If your application is approved, go to the Ministry of the Interior when asked to provide your biometric data.
Find biometric instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I provide biometric data for a Czechia temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Collect your residence card
Return to the Ministry of the Interior to verify your biometric data and collect your card. You can then work without an additional work permit; live in Czechia with your parent and follow the residence and reporting rules.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect a Czechia temporary residence permit for a family member of an EU citizen?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Bring your original birth certificate showing your relationship to your Czech parent. If you were adopted or a custody decision establishes your relationship, bring the relevant decision too.
Parent's residence record *
Bring proof that your Czech parent lives in the Czech Republic. Use an original or officially certified copy.
* Only if your Czech parent does not hold a registration certificate or permanent-residence permit.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Lost or damaged card
Report a lost, stolen or damaged residence card within three working days.
Late reporting of a lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen card can lead to a fine of up to CZK 5,000.
Reporting personal changes
Report changes to your name, marital status, travel document or residence document within 15 working days.
Report a new address within 30 working days if you will live there for more than 180 days.
Late reporting can lead to a fine of up to CZK 3,000.
Residence can end
You can end your residence voluntarily, or it may be taken away if your family relationship no longer qualifies, you stop living together in Czechia, or for serious legal reasons.
Exceptions and your family life must be considered.
For ordinary reasons, you generally get 60 days to leave; you may apply for another residence status and keep work access while that application is decided.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
CrowdSauce by Expats.cz
English Facebook group for people interested in Czech visas and local life
Join on FacebookExpats and foreigners in the Czech Republic #LifeInCzechia
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Request to joinExpats in CZE - help and support group
English Facebook group for people living in the Czechia interested in Czech visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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